Update: Provider Benefit and Eligibility Phone Line Closing September 1, 2026
On July 24, 2026, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) published a provider notice announcing that, effective September 1, 2026, Blue Cross NC would discontinue benefit and eligibility inquiries through the Provider Contact Center phone line. To support providers impacted by this change, below is additional guidance for out-of-state providers:
- Out-of-state providers should use their local Blue Plan's electronic front-end system or submit an EDI transaction with their local Plan to obtain benefit and eligibility information through Blue Exchange. Blue Exchange, the data-sharing platform used by Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans nationwide, has supported HIPAA-compliant transactions since August 2003. Providers may also obtain this information through their clearinghouse.
- Providers should continue using the Prior Authorization Search tool available in the Provider section of bcbsnc.com to access authorization information. Medical and reimbursement policies are also available online.
- Only providers with a registered NPI on file with Blue Cross NC are eligible to register for Blue e.
- Providers may subscribe to newsletters, review provider news, and stay informed about updates through the Provider section of bcbsnc.com.
Effective September 1, 2026, Blue Cross NC will no longer offer benefit and eligibility inquiries through the Provider Contact Center phone line.
Providers can access eligibility and benefit information through Blue e, which should be used as the primary resource for verifying member coverage and benefits.
To further support providers, Blue e chat was introduced in December and offers real-time assistance for questions that cannot be resolved through standard Blue e tools and resources.
With comprehensive eligibility and benefit information available in Blue e, along with the addition of Blue e chat support, providers are encouraged to use these digital tools for fast, convenient access to benefit and eligibility information.
What providers should do
- Use Blue e to verify member eligibility and benefits.
- Use Blue e chat for assistance with eligibility or benefit-related questions.
- Update office workflows and staff processes to reflect the September 1, 2026, retirement of benefit and eligibility inquiries through the Provider Contact Center phone line.